› Some in Congress oppose wider ban on big snakes[Orlando Sentinel] The monstrous snakes that have invaded the Everglades and gobbled up some of its endangered wildlife are Florida's problem, not cause for a nationwide ban, some Republicans in Congress declared on Thursday.

› Sarasota Military Academy breaks ground on expansion[Sarasota Herald-Tribune] Jack Urfer, an unassuming man, seemed a bit taken aback as he shook the city manager's hand and smiled awkwardly for the half-dozen cameras. “It's too much,” Urfer said about the hoopla. But for officials, this was their opportunity to thank the businessman single-handedly responsible for a $5 million expansion project at Sarasota Military Academy.

› Mystery Monkey gets a new home[Tampa Bay Times] It's official: Cornelius, formerly known as the Mystery Monkey of Tampa Bay, will be moved to a zoo in Pasco County early next week.